BRIC Arts Media House will open it’s 40,000-square-foot renovated space at 647 Fulton Street - the former Strand Theatre - on October 3. This state-of-the-art media complex will open with three days of free community programs.

BRIC is a non-for-profit organization focused on furthering the art and cultural community in Brooklyn since 1979. With this latest expansion the BRIC facility will grow from 19,000 square-feet to 40,000.

The expansion, which will double its size, will provide the organization with flexible performance spaces, larger gallery and classroom space. In addition, there will be a stoop for public gathering, a public access television center and a flexible artist studio.

“The essence of this building’s design, an inviting public cultural space and a welcoming home for artists in Brooklyn, is entirely consistent with, and indeed was inspired by, the mission of our organization to serve artists and the public in a welcoming and informal environment,” said Leslie Shultz, president of BRIC.

UrbanGlass, which teaches the art of glass blowing, will also operate out of the facility.

“The renovation of the historical Strand Theatre creates wonderful new spaces for two of Brooklyn’s most unique cultural organizations,” said Kate Levin, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

BRIC’s new television station will include a glass-walled studio that will be visible to pedestrians on Fulton Street.

“Our goal was to open BRIC Arts Media House to the surrounding city and to create an environment of total transparency,” said expansion architect Thomas Leeser, architect for the expansion. “The gallery, TV studio and performance space are literally brought out to the street and the city is brought into new space.”